Underdog Blog

In a recent post, we looked at some practical ways we provide a protected space for our mostly outdoor four-legged friends, especially given a rural environment. Everything from great ground cover and drought-resistant grasses in our garden to substantial, sustainable shrubbery and insect-repellent flora and flowers in our yards.

At the same time, we should also consider a long list of plants and flowers that are potentially poisonous to our pets. Often found both indoors and out, sometimes traditional plants considered safe or even healing for humans can be extremely harmful to pets.

For example, most of us are already aware about the dangers of mistletoe and poinsettias can present to our pets, plants like aloe vera cause animals severe discomfort. While their soothing gel can soothe burns and help with skin issues for humans and animals, if ingested by dogs it can lead to:

● Abdominal pain

● Anorexia

● Depression

● Diarrhea and/or

● Vomiting

Seasonal Situations

Gardening is often something many of us enjoy more during spring and autumn months when planting and harvesting literally become the fruits of our labor. But both of these pleasant, more temperate times of the year pose additional problems for our pets.

On a completely different platform, this is also the time of year many people take extra care and concern for their cars. Many DIY automobile owners take advantage of this time to change out their engine oil, transmission fluid and most dangerous of all these liquids, antifreeze.

Problematic Puddles

Watching a dog drink from a puddle may seem like a common occurrence, but given these dangerous chemicals, it can quickly turn deadly. Again, the worst of these offenders is an active ingredient found in most engine coolant formulas known as ethylene glycol. In some cases, even a few drops can turn toxic in a very short amount of time.

This ingredient can also found in hydraulic brake fluid, motor oil, certain types of windshield wiper agents, paints, solvents and photographic solutions. Not only do we need to keep these products safe and secure, we also need to be on the lookout for standing water that has an oily, rainbow-esque surface and keep pets far away from these puddles.

Recognizing Important Signs

It’s also important to be aware of certain signs your dog could be in danger from drinking any amount of these toxic liquids. Usually it appears as though they’re intoxicated, disoriented and stumbling. But other symptoms include drooling, excessive thirst, panting, frequent urination and overall lethargy.

Time is of the essence so don’t wait for more severe symptoms appear before seeking professional help. While “There’s no need to fear, Underdog is here!” it’s also up to us as dog owners to protect them from perils that could be found all around them in everyday life scenarios.

So wear your superhero cape proudly and do your best to protect your pet from outdoor threats with the “speed of lightning and roar of thunder,.” We’ll make sure our best friends stay with us longer and lead happy, healthy lives.